The latest episode of TruBlu’s “Takedown with Chris Hansen” features a Blount County man communicating with someone he thought was a 15-year-old boy.
The man, James Scott Mitchell, 43, traveled to the sting house where Blount County deputies arrested him following his conversation with Hansen.
In text messages, Mitchell asked the teen if he was a virgin and if he had ever done certain sexual acts.
When Mitchell arrived at the home, he admitted to doing something he shouldn’t be doing and said he was looking to “have a little bit of fun.” He admitted he was a school custodian at a Jefferson County School. An arresting deputy told Hansen he had known Mitchell all of his life. He said he was shocked to see him trying to have sex with a teenage boy.
Mitchell was charged with electronic solicitation, traveling to meet a child to perform a sexual act and transmitting obscene material to a child.
RELATED: Blount County Sheriff’s Office to be featured on predator takedown show with Chris Hansen
Mitchell was also employed at Locust Fork Baptist Church as a custodian. The church posted the following letter online:
Dear Church Family,
In light of the charges following the arrest of James Mitchell, his employment at LFBC has been immediately terminated. James served as our nighttime custodian, with hours that typically occurred when most individuals were off campus. We believe the arrest is unrelated to the church or its community. Since the details of the situation have not yet been released, the church will refrain from further comment until the investigation is concluded.
James and his family have been integral members of our church and community for many years. We are deeply saddened by this news and extend our heartfelt sympathy. During this difficult time, I ask that you join us in prayer for James and his family as they navigate this painful situation. They will need our support now more than ever.
As we reflect on this season, I am reminded of the words from Isaiah 9:6, a scripture we often quote at Christmas, which offers a prayer of comfort:
“For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Please pray with me.
Heavenly Father, You are our Wonderful Counselor, and we seek Your guidance as we process this tragic news. We pray for wisdom and discernment in these difficult moments. We call on You, Mighty God, to grant strength to James as he faces the legal process, and to his family as they endure this heartbreaking situation. We turn to You, Prince of Peace, the only One who can provide peace in the midst of this storm, and we rest in Your eternal love as our Everlasting Father. We are grateful that You have prepared a place for us where sin and its consequences will no longer exist. We pray for the Mitchell family, who we love deeply, and who are suffering. Help us to support them and be the hands and feet of Christ during this time. Amen.
Bro. Randy
TruBlu is a subscription-based service.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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